This position exists to conduct, manage and coordinate the load research activities necessary for the Southern Company's regulatory, rate-making, demand-side planning, market planning, end-use sales support, customer choice, distribution planning, profitability assessment, forecasting and other regulatory, planning, analysis and reporting functions. Load Research provides these functional areas at Southern and each of the operating companies with data profiling how customers use electricity, as well as class, rate, voltage level, and market segment summaries of this information. These profiles are used to evaluate the profitability, competitiveness, and likely effect of marketing and demand-side programs, existing and new rates, and support the regulatory needs of the Southern Company. This data is also critical to a wide range of quantitative/statistical models, including forecasting, profitability, rate evaluation, and cost-of-services.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop hourly load shapes by class, rate and voltage level using tools such as SAS/Python/SQL in a PC and UNIX environment.
• Design statistically sound sampling methodologies to reflect population data and maintain sample integrity over time, ensuring accuracy within defined statistical criteria.
• Proactively identify and resolve data discrepancies, cleaning data or replacing it with valid alternatives using machine learning models and advanced statistical techniques.
• Develop a deep understanding of customer load usage patterns and profiles across various dimensions (class, rate, voltage level, etc.) to inform strategic decision-making.
• Explore load research and end-use detection methods using predictive analytics
• Collaborate with business units to identify load research needs, translating them into actionable plans and contributing to an annual load research work plan.
• Provide a comprehensive up-to-date data catalog of prior load research and make it accessible throughout the Southern Company.
• Provide analysis and documentation to all operating companies as needed to support regulatory filings and PSC / intervener information requests.
• Develop and provide load research analysis tools, reports and/or dashboards for analysts and users of load research.
• Foster effective working relationships with clients, peers, managers, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and collaboration on load research initiatives.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Finance, Decision Sciences, Data Analytics, Computer Science, Information Systems or other related fields of study required
• Internship experience is preferred
• Utility or Energy sector experience a huge plus
• An understanding of advanced statistical and mathematical modeling techniques 
• Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn distribution planning, regulatory processes, rate-making, demand-side management, market planning, end-use sales support, customer choice programs, profitability analysis, and forecasting methodologies.
• Proficiency in statistical software and programming languages such as SAS, R, Python, and/or SQL.
• Experience working in PC and UNIX/Linux environments.
• Experience with processing and analyzing large amounts of data
• Experience with data visualization software (e.g., Microsoft Power BI) a plus
• Experience with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Familiarity with machine learning techniques and predictive analytics is a plus.
• Must have strong quantitative, modeling, analytical, technical, organizational, project management skills 
• Excellent presentation, interpersonal, and written/oral communication skills to effectively convey complex findings to diverse audiences.
• Able to manage stress and balance multiple priorities while producing high-quality work under tight deadlines